We’re going to the city that invented democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games this week.

Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, with human settlement dating back at least 5,000 years.

Its story as a major civilization begins around the 8th century BC, when the scattered villages of Attica unified under Athens as their capital. Legend says the city got its name from a contest between the goddess Athena and Poseidon over who would be its patron.

Athena won by offering the olive tree. The Athenians built her a temple on the highest point of their city. That temple is the Parthenon.

The 5th century BC was Athens’ golden age. Under the statesman Pericles, the city rebuilt itself after the Persian Wars and became the cultural and intellectual capital of the ancient world.

The Parthenon was completed in 432 BC. Socrates walked the Agora asking inconvenient questions. Sophocles and Euripides staged their plays at the Theatre of Dionysus. Herodotus wrote the first work of history. Athens gave the world the foundations of Western philosophy, drama, democracy, and scientific inquiry all in one century!

That golden age ended with the Peloponnesian War against Sarta, a 27-year conflict that exhausted the city and ultimately ended Athenian dominance. Macedonia, under Philip II and then Alexander the Great, took over Athens in 338 BC. The city remained a prestigious center of learning under both Macedonian and later Roman rule. The Roman general Sulla sacked Athens in 86 BC, but the people where resilient.

Emperor Hadrian was so devoted to the city that he built an entire new district bearing his name. We thought the Arch of Hadrian was one of the more impressive structures in that area of the world.

Athens passed through Byzantine, Frankish, and Venetian hands after the Romans before the Ottoman Empire took control in 1458. This was five years after the fall of Constantinople. Parthenon became a mosque.

Athens was a small provincial city of little consequence for almost 400 years. Greek independence was won in 1821 after a decade-long war against Ottoman rule and changed everything. Athens was chosen as the capital of the new Greek state in 1834 as a town of barely 4,000 people. But they put in work and by 1896 it was ready to host the first modern Olympic Games.

Walking up to the Acropolis is something special. It’s the weight of 2,500 years of history that never really stopped happening. Empires rose and fell around a hill that’s been sacred to some people for as long as anyone can remember. That type of impact is inspiring to this day.

If you're visiting Greece for the first time, Athens is the perfect place to start. This is a city where ancient history and modern life exist side by side. You can spend the morning walking through ruins that are thousands of years old, then wander through colorful neighborhoods, eat incredible Greek food, and watch the sunset over the Acropolis.

Athens is also an easy city to add to a larger Greek itinerary. Spend a few days here before heading to the islands, or use it as your gateway to the rest of the country.

You can't visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis. Sitting high above the city, this ancient hill is home to some of Greece's most important archaeological sites, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Go early in the morning if you can. The combination of heat, crowds, and a lot of walking can make a midday visit challenging, especially during the summer.

After visiting the Acropolis, head to the Acropolis Museum. The museum houses thousands of artifacts discovered on the Acropolis and surrounding archaeological sites.

One of my favorite parts is the top floor, where the Parthenon sculptures are displayed with views toward the actual Parthenon.

Plaka is one of Athens' most charming neighborhoods. Wander through its narrow streets, browse small shops, stop for Greek food, and enjoy the views of the Acropolis peeking between the buildings.

This is a great neighborhood to explore without a strict itinerary.

The Ancient Agora was once the heart of public life in ancient Athens. Socrates and other philosophers walked through this area, and it was where Athenians gathered for political, commercial, and social activities.

Don't miss the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.

Monastiraki is lively, colorful, and centrally located. The neighborhood is known for its flea market, shops, restaurants, and views of the Acropolis.

It's also a great place to start exploring on foot.

This massive marble stadium is one of the most recognizable sites in Athens. The original stadium dates back to ancient times and was rebuilt in marble for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Fun fact: it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

For one of the best panoramic views of Athens, head to Mount Lycabettus. You can hike up or take the funicular to the top.

Go around sunset if you want to watch the city change from daylight to a sea of lights.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Most international travelers arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH), officially known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.

The airport is about 20 miles from central Athens.

From the airport, you can take the Metro Line 3, which connects the airport with central Athens. There are also airport buses, taxis, and private transfers.

If you're visiting Athens as part of a Greek island trip, you'll likely find yourself using Athens as your transportation hub. Many ferries to the islands leave from Piraeus, the main port of Athens.

Athens has a good public transportation system that includes the metro, buses, and trams.

The Metro is especially useful for visitors because several stations are close to major attractions. It also connects central Athens with the airport and Piraeus.

Walking is another great option. Many of the major historical sites are within walking distance of one another.

Taxis are also easy to find, and rideshare-style services are available through apps.

One thing to remember: Athens has some serious hills and uneven sidewalks. Comfortable shoes are not optional!

NJV Athens Plaza Hotels - beautiful views of the Acropolis

Niche Hotel Athens - 7 minute walk from the Acropolis

The Pinnacle Athens - located in the city center

Electra Metropolis Athens - luxury hotel with an international cuisine restaurant

Greek food is one of the best parts of visiting Athens.

Souvlaki is an easy favorite. You'll find grilled meat served on skewers or wrapped in pita with vegetables and sauces.

Try moussaka, a baked dish made with layers of eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce.

Greek salad is another classic, usually made with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and olive oil.

Don't skip spanakopita, a flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta.

For breakfast or a snack, look for bougatsa, a pastry that can be filled with custard or savory ingredients.

And yes, eat plenty of baklava.

Of course, you also need to try authentic Greek yogurt with honey and nuts. It is nothing like grabbing a container of yogurt at home.

Athens involves a LOT of walking, especially if you plan to explore the archaeological sites.

If you're visiting during the summer, don't underestimate the heat. There isn't much shade when you're exploring some of the archaeological sites, so sunscreen, water, and an early start can make a big difference.

Give Athens more than one day if your schedule allows it.

It's tempting to treat Athens as a quick stop before heading to the Greek islands, but there's much more to the city than the Acropolis.

Spend some time wandering without a plan. Sit at a café. Eat a long Greek lunch. Explore a neighborhood. Watch the sunset over the Acropolis.

Athens isn't just a place to see ancient ruins. It's a living city built around them.

There's something pretty incredible about eating dinner while looking up at the same Acropolis that people have been looking at for thousands of years.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Athens. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob